Observation-tower.



Patented Dec. IU, |90l.

No. Basins.

n.. BERCUVIQY. ussammmm mwe'n.` (Application led Sept 10, 1901.)

(No Model.)

IIIINAI Parrainer @Erica LEON EEEcUvioY, on NEwYoEK, N. Y.

OBSERVATION-TOWER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.

688,713, dated December 10, 1901.

Application filed September 10, 1901.` Serial No. 74,884. (No model.)

To all ich/077i, it may con/cervi:

Beit known that I, LEON BERQUVICY, a subject of the King of Belgium,residing in New York, borough of Manhattan, in the State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Observation-Towers,of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to certain improvements inobservation-towers to be used at watering-places, fair-grounds, andother places, the top of the tower being reached either by foot, bycircle, or mechanical conveyance; and for this purpose the inventionconsists of an observation-tower the framework of which is preferablyconstructed of converging vertical columns arranged in a circle andproperly braced together, a central column supporting,in connection withthe columns of the framework, the top of the tower, and two inclinedhelical ways extending in upward direction in said tower and provided atthe base of the tower with ingress-openings and at the top of the towerwith an S- shaped connection portion above the top platform of thetower, as will be fully described hereinafter and finally pointed out inthe claim.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l represents a side elevation of myimproved observation-tower. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a part of thesame, drawn on a larger scale. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line 33, Fig. l; and Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on line l et, Fig. 2.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, A indicates the framework of my improvedobservationtower. VThe framework is preferably made of wrought iron orsteel and composed of upright converging beams or columns a,which areconnected by stiffening-braces between the beams in the nature ofstruts, so as to impart the required stiffness to the tower. At thecenter of the framework A is arranged a column B, which extends from thebase of the tower to the top of the same and which serves to support theplatform C. The side and center columnsare properly anchored to theground, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l. In the framework A aresupported two helical inclined ways D D, which are connected to theinterior edges of the upright beams or columns a and provided atopposite sides with suitable railings or guards. The helical ways arearranged equidistantly from each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, andare connected at the lower ends with ingress-openings 0 in the base ofthe tower, as shown in Fig. l. The platform C is provided with twoopenings 0. The inclined way D passes through one of the openings o tothe upper side of the platform C, adjacent the circumference, andextends almost a circle over the platform and is connected by an Sshaped portion D2 with the upper end of the inclined way D, said way Dpassing through the second opening o', adjacent the center, as shown inthe drawings. By this means the ascent and descent of the tower may bemade by passing `up one of the ways and down the other, the passagebeing continuous in one direction and no turning about being necessary..The height of the tower and the inclination of the ways are so arrangedthat a comparatively low gradient is obtained, so that the tower can beascended easily either by walking or by bicycle or by vehicles or carsdriven by electricity or other motor without requiring the expensiveconstruction of elevators.

`The platform C is provided with a roof R for protecting the sameagainst sun or rain.

At the outer portion of the top platform is arranged a walk CZ, whichextends around the platform concentric with a portion of the S-shapedway D2, said walk being guarded by a railing E at the outer edge of theplatform.

My improved observation-tower can be constructed at comparatively smallexpense and forms an attractive means for enjoying the view upon theSeacoast, at fair-grounds, or in the mountains.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent- An observation-tower, consisting of an exteriorframework, a central column, openings at the base of said framework, atop platform provided with two openings, one adjacent the center and theother adjacent the edge of said platform, two parallel helical ways, oneabove the other extending from said base-openings l my invention I havesigned my name in pre`s upwardly in the tower and through the openenceof two subscribing witnesses. ings in said top platform, and a partlycircular and partly S-shaped way connecting the LEON BERCUVICY 5 upperends of said helical ways above the Witnesses:

platform, substantially as set forth. PAUL GOEPEL,

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as JOSEPH I-I. NILES.

